During a recent shopping trip I spotted a beautifully colored yarn cake. It was the Mandala Bonus Bundle in the colorway called Sasquatch. I had not planned on picking up any yarn but with the holidays coming up, as well as possible snow days, I thought I might have time to relax with project. Besides, the yarn color was too pretty to pass up.
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| Mandala Bonus Bundle Yarn Cake |
Lion Brand Mandala Bonus Bundle Yarn
I have used a variety of Lion Brand yarns over the years and I have liked the quality of yarn. So when I saw this beautifully colored yarn cake, I had no problem with choosing it for a project.
What is a yarn cake? Historically, there are skeins, hanks, and balls of yarn. Most people are familiar with skeins of yarn. Yarn cakes are different because they are flat on the top and bottom, The starting end of the yarn comes from the center of the cake. I find that yarn cakes are becoming my preferred yarns. I don't find that they tangle or snag as easily as they do with a skein. If it is a multi-colored yarn I am able to see all of the colors when it is in a cake. And best of all, yarn cakes don't roll away like a ball of yarn does. Maybe I'm the only one who has dropped a ball of yarn and watched it unwind as it rolls across the room. Let me tell you that it is quite annoying when it happens.
The Mandala Bonus Bundle I chose is the Sasquatch colorway. At first glance, I thought that it looked like natural, outdoor colors. Greens and blues, the colors of earth and sky, followed by yellow, orange, and a magenta, the colors of a sunset. Then I decided that it reminded me of the colors of rainbow sherbert; green, orange, and raspberry! I still haven't decided what colors I think this self-striping yarn is but I haven't changed my mind that it is beautiful.
Mandala Bonus Bundle cake is a size 3 yarn. This is a lighter weight than worsted weight. But in my opinion it is thicker than a baby yarn. The Bonus Bundle is 1,181 yards in length and it seems that just these 2 cakes are making a decent sized afghan. The yarn is acrylic which makes it machine washable and dryable.
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I love to crochet. Especially in the wintertime. I consider myself an intermediate level crocheter. I need patterns that do not require intense concentration, counting, or intricate patterns. However, I want something pretty. Yes. I want the best of both worlds! I want super easy/fast and an interesting pattern.
The Brick Crochet Pattern - Jayda Institches Tutorial
I can read written crochet patterns but these days I prefer to watch a good video tutorial. I have my favorite crochet channels and usually go directly to them. Fortunately, I stumbled across a wonderful Brick Stitch Baby Blanket tutorial using Mandala yarn (Sasquatch) by Jayda Institches.
She gives very clear directions, crochets slowly so I could follow along, and uses close-up shots that show exactly where she is placing her crochet hook. It was very easy for me to create an adult-sized afghan following her directions.
If you are looking for an easy and pretty crochet blanket pattern I recommend that you check out Lion Brand's Mandala yarn cake and this Brick Stitch pattern.
Ah ~ as a fellow crochet crafter, I always enjoy your crochet and yarn articies, Dawn Rae. Regarding the Mandala yarn cakes, I have frequently looked them over in yarn stores (they all have such lucious colors). I have often wondered how a finished afghan would look as the yarn changes colors. So, thanks for answering my questions with the 'close-up' view and the video tutorial for a baby blanket. Sounds like a fun winter project to try.
ReplyDeleteI have thought of you while crocheting - and your cute crochet critters. I usually do not like self-striping yarn because I usually want my rows to end neatly at the end and not somewhere in the middle. But this color of Mandala creates a much more subtle change of color. My afghan is about 44" across and you can see that it creates several rows before it changes. I prefer that over the sudden changing every row or two. I am enjoying the soft feel and the light weight of this afghan.
DeleteWhat a beautiful baby blanket! I do love variegated yarn and have always been drawn them. I guess they are easier for me when I want multiple colors in a finished piece without wanting to intermittently change the yarn color to make a variegated color crochet item. A truly lovely yarn! Thank you for introducing me to it.
ReplyDeleteThank you and you are welcome. I am very very pleased about not having all of those tails to deal with during the color changes!
DeleteOh this looks so pretty. I have been hesitant to purchase these yarn cakes, but you make me believe that they are worth a try. Thanks Dawn Rae and thanks for the tutorial as well.
ReplyDeleteI miss crocheting - I started it late in life, but stopped because honestly I couldn't put it down - soooo addictive - If I started again, I would never use the internet again (maybe thats a good thing) - Crocheting is so therapudic as well - just love it - and love this stitch
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful yarn. I do admire people who crochet and create lovely things like that gorgeous baby blanket. The yarn cakes sound great to use and I am sure anyone who crochets will appreciate your tips and experience.
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